I am 40 years old and pregnant with my third child.
The doctor has completed some tests, including amniocentesis
and it appears our child has Down syndrome. We need to know
more about Down syndrome. Where can we go?

Congratulations on your impending arrival! There are many
resources that are available to you: online resources,
support organizations, and other parents. Please be
selective in what you choose, especially as you seek web
based information. Some sites or publications seek the
“worst case scenario” for the purpose of illustration. Other
sites are designed for teaching purposes, such as medical
school sites. Reading and reviewing these sites may just add
to the fears or questions you have right now. Remember, your
child will be unique in their gifts, talents and struggles,
just like any other child. A good place to begin your search
is with the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City. You
can contact them at 913-384-4848 or visit their website at
www.kcdsg.org.

Some other resources include the Sharing Our Strengths
Support Matching Network (SOS) and the Missouri
Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (MODDRC). You can
find more information about SOS at:
www.sharingourstrengths.com or by calling
1-800-773-8652. They can match you with another individual
who has been through some of the same issues or have had
some of the same questions that you do. MODDRC staff members
can provide you with many resources that can help to answer
your questions. You can contact the MODDRC by calling
800-444-0821 or visiting
www.moddrc.org.

Michelle Reynolds, Director of the
Missouri Developmental Disabilities Resource Center,
University of Missouri-Kansas City